Date:30/12/2004 URL: http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2004/12/30/stories/2004123002800700.htm

Back BSNL directed to give top priority to tsunami-hit areas

Our Bureau

New Delhi , Dec. 29

IN a bid to restore communications facilities in tsunami-hit areas, the Minister for Communications and IT, Mr Dayanidhi Maran, has directed BSNL officials to install INMARSAT on top priority basis in Andaman and Nicobar.

"It was decided to charge the normal tariff for calls made by the public. Mr Maran further directed that the telephones in tsunami-affected areas should not be disconnected for non-payment of bills," an official release said.

At a review meeting, senior DoT officials and the BSNL Chairman briefed Mr Maran on measures being undertaken to restore the communication facilities in the telecom circles of Andaman and Nicobar, Tamil Nadu and Kerala.

"In the Andaman and Nicobar circle, five telephones exchanges - Diglipur, Kalighat, Kalera, Kishori Nagar and Ram Nagar - have been restored. Satellite equipment at Diglipur, Campbell Bay and Kamorta have been restored. Five INMARSAT terminals have been airlifted and reached Port Blair," the release added.

In Tamil Nadu telecom circle, all 12 telephone exchanges reported to be affected on December 26 have been restored. All the five mobile base terminal stations have also become operational.